Alberta May Neel

Alberta May Neel, 88, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, farm wife, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026.

Alberta was born August 6, 1938, in Esbon, Kansas, to Elgin and Freda (Wonderlich) Denio. She graduated from high school in Haviland, Kansas and earned a teaching degree from Fort Hays graduating in 1959.

Alberta began her teaching career at Jamestown High School, where she taught mathematics and science. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Wayne Neel. The two were married on August 6, 1960—Alberta’s 22nd birthday. Together they built a life centered around family, farming, faith, and service to others. Their marriage of nearly 66 years was a partnership in every sense of the word.

Alberta was a devoted farm wife and homemaker. She hauled grain, fed numerous farm hands in the home and in the field, and made countless trips to town for parts when equipment inevitably broke down.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Alberta and Wayne raised three daughters, Linda, Brenda, and Debra, and Alberta was a constant source of love and support throughout their lives. She attended sporting events and music concerts, checked homework, babysat grandchildren, and willingly took on whatever task was needed.

Alberta was also deeply committed to her community. She served as a USD 333 school board member, led various 4-H projects, member of advisory board for the Cloud County Children’s Trust, various leadership roles with the FB Mission and CL&H organizations. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where she participated in United Methodist Women (UMW) and devoted countless hours to various church committees and was a choir member. One of her most impactful areas of service was coordinating funeral dinners, a responsibility she carried out for hundreds of community members over the years.

Alberta was a talented and dedicated quilter and embroiderer. Over the years, she lovingly created numerous quilts, tablecloths, and wall hangings. These handmade treasures became lasting gifts for family and friends.

Alberta is survived by her daughters, Linda Olson (Tom), Brenda Neel (Jonathan), and Debra Vickers (Jeff); and her five grandchildren, Amanda Pennell (Matthew), Brian Sixbury, Ryan Olson (Arianna), Jared Vickers, and Joshua Vickers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Wayne, and sister, Maralyn Legleiter.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Concordia, Kansas on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Tony Serbousek officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 1-8 pm, Friday, September 18, 2026 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas. Family will greet friends at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The family suggests memorials may be made in Alberta’s memory to the First United Methodist Church or the Cloud County Children’s Trust in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home.